Governor Ivey signs Lulu's Law to protect Alabamians from shark attacks

May 6, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) officially put her signature on House Bill 437 (HB437), Lulu's Law, which establishes a shark alert system to be administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for beaches and shorelines in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

The bill was inspired by 16-year-old Mountain Brook high school student Lulu Gribbin who lost a hand and a leg to a shark attack while diving for sand dollars in Gulf Shores. HB437 enables Mobile and Baldwin County Emergency Management Agencies to warn individuals of a shark attack by providing alerts to be sent to mobile cellular devices in localized areas and to first responders on duty.

After signing the bill into law, Governor Ivey issued the following comment:

"Alabama is proud to have the safest and most beautiful beaches in the world," said Governor Kay Ivey. "The added tool of having a shark alert system will help officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties keep our beachgoers safe and enjoying the refreshing waters of our Gulf of America. It was an honor to have Lulu Gribbin with me as I signed this bill into law."

The governor was joined in her office by Lulu Gribbin, as well as bill sponsors, Rep. David Faulkner (R-Mountain Brook) and Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and members of the Gribbin family.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) is the sponsor of Lulu's Law in the U.S. Congress.

That bill would direct the Federal Communication Commission to issue an order providing that shark attacks are events for which wireless emergency alerts (WEAs) may be transmitted.

"I could not be prouder to see this legislation advance today," said Senator Britt. She said that state passage of Lulu's law "Is an incredible step forward to not only honor Lulu's bravery and resilience, but also to make a real difference in Americans' lives."

Specifically, Lulu's Law would empower authorized local, state, tribal, and federal government authorities to quickly deploy warnings via mobile phone alert messages to the public if a shark has attacked someone or if the conditions enhancing the possibility of a shark attack are present.

"Thank you to Commerce Committee Chair Cruz for making this commonsense bill a priority,' continued Sen. Britt. "This is a cause I know Congress will continue to rally around, just like Lulu's local community, our great state, and the entire nation have rallied around her. Let's get this bill to President Trump's desk."

Tuesday is Day 28 of the 2025 Alabama Regular legislative session. The Legislature is limited to 30 days in a session.